TISAS Regulator 1911A1 9mm/.38 Super 5-inch Polished Chrome
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-caliber system with both 9mm and .38 Super barrels included — $200 value separately
- Forged carbon steel frame and slide — 40% stronger than cast equivalents
- Cold hammer-forged 5-inch barrel — 20,000+ round lifespan with proper maintenance
- High-polish chrome finish — 3x more corrosion resistant than blued finishes
Trade-offs
- 39-ounce weight — 14 ounces heavier than polymer striker-fired pistols
- High-polish finish shows holster wear immediately — not suitable for carry
- GI-style sights require upgrade for competition — adds $75-150 for night sights
- .38 Super ammunition costs $0.60/round — double 9mm training ammunition cost
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The TISAS Regulator 1911A1 9mm/.38 Super is a dual-caliber, government-model 1911 with forged carbon steel construction and high-polish chrome finish that ships with both 9mm and .38 Super barrels and magazines. It maintains the original 1911A1 design specifications while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and enhanced features for improved performance. This pistol bridges classic service pistol aesthetics with contemporary shooting flexibility across two popular calibers.
What is the TISAS Regulator 1911A1 used for?
The TISAS Regulator serves best as a range training pistol and competitive shooting platform where caliber flexibility matters. With its 5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and Colt 70 Series internals, it delivers consistent accuracy for bullseye shooting and action pistol matches. The dual-caliber capability allows shooters to transition between affordable 9mm practice and higher-velocity .38 Super competition loads without changing firearms.
How does the TISAS Regulator compare to a Springfield Armory Range Officer?
The TISAS Regulator outperforms the Springfield Armory Range Officer in caliber flexibility while matching its forged steel construction at a lower price point. Where the Range Officer locks you into a single caliber configuration, the Regulator includes both 9mm and .38 Super barrels and magazines for immediate conversion. Both pistols use forged frames and slides, but the Springfield typically commands $200-300 more for similar features without the dual-caliber option.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Regulator weighs 39 ounces unloaded and measures 8.7 inches in overall length with a 5-inch barrel height of 5.5 inches. This full-size government model dimensions match original 1911 specifications, making it compatible with standard holsters and shooting gear. The weight distribution feels balanced for controlled rapid fire, though some shooters may find it heavy compared to polymer-frame alternatives like the Stevens 334 rifle at 6.4 pounds.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not suitable for concealed carry due to its full-size frame and high-polish finish that attracts attention and shows holster wear quickly. The 39-ounce weight makes it impractical for all-day carry compared to modern compact pistols weighing under 25 ounces. Shooters seeking a dedicated defense firearm should consider smaller options, while those wanting a traditional shotgun might prefer the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for home defense.
What's in the box?
The package includes the pistol with Turkish walnut grips, two caliber-specific barrels (9mm and .38 Super), two matching magazines, a cable lock, and owner's manual. TISAS provides all necessary components for immediate operation in either caliber without additional purchases. The polished chrome finish comes protected in foam packaging to prevent shipping damage to the highly reflective surface.
Is the TISAS Regulator worth it at $706.99?
At $706.99, the Regulator delivers exceptional value for shooters needing dual-caliber capability in a forged steel 1911 platform. You're essentially getting two precision barrels and magazine systems for less than the cost of most single-caliber 1911s with comparable features. The investment justifies itself for competitive shooters who regularly switch between 9mm practice and .38 Super competition loads without maintaining multiple firearms.
Key attributes
| upc | 711500175654 |
| manufacturer | Tisas |
| manufacturer part number | 10100513 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 5" |
| caliber/gauge | .38 SUPER |
| capacity | 9 |
| color | Silver |
| model | 1911A1 |
| product type | 1911 |
| sights | Iron Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 1911 holsters?
- Yes, the Regulator uses government-model dimensions that fit most 1911 holsters designed for 5-inch barrels. The high-polish chrome may require leather or lined holsters to prevent finish wear. I recommend checking specific holster compatibility with 1.25-inch width measurements.
- Does it work with aftermarket 1911 magazines?
- The 9mm configuration works with most 1911 9mm magazines, while the .38 Super requires specific .38 Super magazines due to different feed lip geometry. The included magazines are Mec-Gar OEM products with 9-round capacity for both calibers. Test compatibility with your preferred brand before purchasing additional magazines.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days after processing, which typically requires 1-2 business days for verification. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. Contact your local FFL beforehand to ensure they accept shipments from online retailers.
- Can I return it if it has mechanical issues?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return policy for mechanical defects through our warranty service center. The pistol must be unfired and in original packaging for returns, while warranty repairs handle fired firearms with issues. Contact customer service within 14 days of receipt to initiate any return process.